The Central Virginia Blue Ridge has a new forest preserve on the way. On May 1, a large group of scientists and naturalists (60+) descended upon the area for a preliminary biological assessment. I was on team 10, and here are some of the things we saw.

-On the eastern flank of the Blue Ridge in Central Virginia-Lat/long: 38.227902,-78.660403

-Elevation survey range (Trail E) 1270' -1850'

-Survey Team #10

Geology-Catoctin Formation (Metabasalt)-CharnockiteAt site E-10, in the stream, there were large and beautiful specimens of microcrystaline quartz ranging from bright greens to deep reds. This very well could have been a material source for Native Americans.

Noteable HabitatsWildflower meadow (E-1). This spot is unusual in that it is a bit of a flat area on the mountainside. The bedrock is the mafic and mineral rich Catoctin greenstone, probably adding to the diversity at the site. This habitat would be a good wildflower destination, particularly for its thick grove of showy orchis, but also for the dozen or so other wildflowers that are blooming there on May 1.

Mafic Boulder (E-2).

WildflowersThe woods were full. Most of these were observed at site E-1, at the top of the E trail.